Scurry County court implements pre-employment testing program and approves routine budget and transfers

Scurry County commissioners voted to move forward with a post‑offer pre‑employment "work steps" program intended to screen and simulate job duties for new hires and to support return‑to‑work cases. Commissioners debated cost and implementation scope; several said departments should be able to opt into the program. County staff noted some drug‑screening funds remain in the 2025 budget and suggested creating a budget line to absorb initial costs.

Unidentified Speaker (Commissioner) raised concerns that the program "is gonna be an expensive idea" for some departments, and others cautioned it could reduce certain road and bridge positions if applied rigidly to physical‑labor jobs. The court approved a motion to implement the program and directed staff to determine which positions would initially participate and how costs would be allocated.

The court also handled routine business: it named Tammy Quick employee of the month (not present), accepted donations to county entities, approved certified revenues including $29,006.40 for prisoner housing and other EMS receipts reported in the transcript, and authorized transfers of over‑budget receipts into Texas Class accounts to buy equipment. Commissioners approved transferring $50,000 for airport runway work and agreed to place $20,000 in a netting replacement line for ballfields in January.

Treasurer staff presented several line‑item transfers and four budget amendments (including justice court medical fees, custodial expenses, economic development allocations and courthouse security camera maintenance). The court approved last accounts payable of the year and, with no executive session scheduled, adjourned the meeting.

For items requiring further action, staff will prepare formal budget amendments for January and report back on specific funding lines for the pre‑employment program.